Saturday, January 25, 2020

The Impact Of Internship On Graduate Employability Management Essay

The Impact Of Internship On Graduate Employability Management Essay This report examines the impact of internships on graduate labour market. The view of this report is to find out what skills, knowledge and attributes are basically needed by graduate students to perform their professional duty in the practical job field in todays job market. The report then draws the key themes about what graduate employability is and what employers needs are in relation to graduates. Although non internship candidates find it more difficult to enter the job market, they have chances because employers look after soft skills from a candidate such as good communication skills, team work and also critical thinking. The report concludes by examining career prospects that graduates follow after doing an internship, whether they chose to follow an accounting career, or other industries, they have to think of medium and long term prospects in order to find a desired job. Introduction In recent years, there has been rapid expansion of higher education in UK. This has had important and deep effects on labour markets because employers need today highly educated employees. Internships provide practical experience in which a student has intentional learning goals and reflects actively on what she or he is learning throughout the experience. Doing an internship provides opportunities for students to gain work experience and companies help them to get a job in the future. Internships introduce students to the world of work and allow them to gain business experience, skills and knowledge that are necessary to succeed in todays labour market. They allow students to connect their experience from the workplace, with the theoretical knowledge that they have explored during university. Definition of Internship An internship represents a formal program that provides practical experience in which a student has intentional learning goals and reflects actively on what she or he is learning throughout the experience. Doing an internship provides opportunities for students to gain work experience and companies help them to get a job in the future. Also Employers are usually more concerned with your work experience than your qualifications and internships are often the only way to get the work experience you need to secure a job, so they are a vital part of your resume. Many employers prefer or require applicants who have done an internship or relevant work experience and in many of the more competitive job markets it is essential to set you apart from the others. However, some internships are unpaid and universities career development centres are asked to stop advertising unpaid internships on their websites, because interns cannot afford to work for weeks, and in some cases months, without being paid. Benefits and values of an internship According to Career Services Centre, the benefits of doing an internship allow you to gain a better perspective of post-graduation employment by applying the principles and theories a student developed during their seminar classes. Also students can develop a personal work ethic and be able to investigate their career interests and prospective career goals. An internship alleviates the development of professional contacts, which can help a student in the future for reference another company. By doing an internship you can develop a series of skills and knowledge that help students to choose from a wide range of possibilities about their future career. (Careers Services Centre, 2010-2011) The graduate labour market Graduate labour market offers information to students about any jobs available on the market, what recent graduates have done, average earnings that graduates can expect and also graduate recruitment trends. It is helpful to understand what a job in a real life is and identifies students options for future career developments. University of Wolverhampton (2010) states: The graduate labour market today is much more complex. Developments such as increased global competition and advances in technology mean that the workforce needs to be more highly skilled. This has led to many changes such as the importance of a degree when applying for a job, higher education is expanding and for todays market there are many students with a degree, which they increase competition within popular sectors. The graduate labour market continues to improve and many vacancies that employers are promoting are filled with graduates that have already worked for any of their organisations, through work placements, internships or vacation schemes. Graduate labour market Accounting For those graduates that have the right degrees, the current job market for accounting is very strong. Employers dont require a specific major of filed or study, but they are more focused on soft skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership and critical thinking. Accounting graduates find excellent opportunities in private sectors because they can work for a company; develop the knowledge about its business and the financial sector. Despite the tight labour market and strong demand, accounting graduates face tough competition, as top-tier firms expect skills beyond the sheepskin. Candidates must demonstrate technical knowledge and intangible qualities, such as presentation and public speaking, initiative, computer literacy and interpersonal abilities. Definition of employability [Employability is] a set of achievements, skills, understandings and personal attributes that make graduates more likely to gain employment and be successful in their chosen occupations, which benefits themselves, the workforce, the community and the economy. (Yorke, 2004) Since the recession the graduate labour market had become increasingly competitive, which is even harder for students to get a job without having any experience. There are few vacancies on the market, which are filled very quickly. Students also consider that they wouldnt have gone to university giving the fact that the market is very competitive. Although, they prefer to go to university because it is a unique experience, where you develop a series of skills and knowledge for a subject they like. According to Times Higher Education, students were less sure that higher education had prepared them for the world of work, however, with 35 per cent disagreeing or strongly disagreeing that university had equipped them well for employment. (David Matthews, 2012) Post-internship vs. non-internship candidates Most undergraduate students know that having an internship represents a good opportunity for a full time job offer. Those that do not have the opportunity to do an internship, will be likely to have less experience and therefore harder to get into the job market. According to Birchalls latest research (2012), people without any experience had little or no chance of being offered a place on their graduate training programmes. Even more strikingly, almost three-quarters of graduate vacancies advertised at investment banks and half the training contracts offered by major law firls this year are likely to be filled by former interns. Also, companies tend to recruit candidates who already have worked for them. Career path The accounting industry is so varied because is very difficult to identify the types of accounting careers that a graduate can take. Depending on their studies they can work in any industry in accounting. There is public accounting where graduates can work for any sized firm, ranging from a large, international CPA firm to a small local accounting practice. Within the firm, they can work in such areas as audit, tax and management consulting. With government graduates can work for a specific company. And they may work in tax, finance and again IT or internal audits. Also they can create a path to success at either the federal, state or local level. Non-profit organizations and education also offer many diverse opportunities. (American Institute of CPAs, 2012) Skills, knowledge and aptitudes Internships provide students opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and aptitudes within a workplace environment. Most students benefit from higher education support and guidance in finding a good internship/placement. Today careers are very different and students find with difficulty a job without experience and the most significant challenge for graduates will be to manage their relationships with work and with learning. This requires skills such as negotiating, action planning and networking, added to qualities of self-awareness and confidence. These are the skills required to be self-reliant in career and personal development; skills to manage processes rather than functional skills. They are as valuable in education as in the workplace, and as valuable to organizations as they are to individuals. (Rose and Jonathan, 2012) Traditional jobs still exist but, there is a huge increase in the number of graduates, which means that there are fewer jobs with graduate training programs. AGR members recruited an estimated 80% of graduates available for work. Today the figure is 50%.( The Association of Graduate Recruiters, 2012). Graduates need to be flexible and adapt to new situations. In order to obtain a good job, a graduate needs transferable skills such as working well in a team, good communication skills and self-reliance skills which are enabling skills that will be essential for graduates to survive in todays labour market. They are the skills to manage a lifetimes progression in learning and work, rather than to do the work itself. They are process skills rather than functional skills. The complete graduate needs 4 major types of skills such as self reliant being able to manage their personal development; they have to be good team players having management skills, IT and presentation skills; they have to be specialists which helps them to become an expert at something (e.g. marketing, accounting, tax, IT, etc); and also they have to have general skills and knowledge (e.g. problem solving, critical thinking, basic accounting and finance). Career prospects Being an accountant requires to complete many tasks, preparing financial statements and also record business transations. They also calculate financial costs, develop IT systems to track financial performance. Post internship graduates have many opportunities to find a good job and this is because they have fresh thinking, new knowledge to businesses and analytical skills. They have a variety of choices to think as a medium term prospect for their career, as finishing ACCA or long term prospects such as considering a career in accounting as an auditor or a chartered accountant, working for the government or being self-employed. Conclusion and Recommendations Employers expect graduates to have the discipline, knowledge and technical competence in order to demonstrate a broad range of skills and attributes that include critical thinking, team working, communication skills and problem solving. Internships help students to develop these skills that enable them to find the desired job, to progress in their work and therefore to facilitate the success of the companies that they work for and contribute to society and the economy. Universities have to develop employability skills more in depth, through their programmes including practical guidance and teaching strategies that allow students to have a better understanding about what employers expect from them, and how they should demonstrate their skills to them.

Friday, January 17, 2020

Bacon, Novum Organum, and Implied Objectivity †Philosophy of Science

Francis Bacon was a representative of English Renaissance and therefore sought to tie together philosophy and science in order to create more complete and clear picture of scientific method to be used when explaining natural phenomena. Bacon’s â€Å"Novum Organum† is can be viewed as a global message addressed to all scholars and students, who seek to penetrate into the true order of matters and nature of objects, as the primary idea of his writing is to assist scientists in developing objectivity and destroying prejudices and stereotypes that determine unnecessarily narrow directions or limitations in certain areas of knowledge.The first chapters of the writing are dedicated to aphorisms, which to great extent reflect the spirit of the epoch and the author’s personal convictions. First of all, the scholar suggests that the study of nature is extremely complicated and should be approached from multiple viewpoints: â€Å"The study of nature with a view to works i s engaged in by the mechanic, the mathematician, the physician, the alchemist and the magician; but by all (as things now are) with slight endeavor and scanty success† ( Bacon, Book I, Aphorism V, at www.constitution. org, 2001). This means, it is important to expand the knowledge about nature and establish a reasonable exchange among various disciplines and directions – first of all, in order to be capable to explain the issues, which might be clear in certain discipline, but remain a ‘white spot’ in another, so that the true causes of phenomena can be found only through developing a complex approach.On the other hand, the author also warns the reader against hastiness in scientific conclusions that can appear a side effect of syllogism â€Å"†¦if the notions themselves (which is the root of the matter) are confused and overhastily abstracted from the facts, there can be no firmness in the superstructure. Our only hope therefore lies in a true induct ion† (Bacon, I, XIV, at www. constitution. org, 2001). This means, it is important to ‘digest’ all information available, gradually put forward the propositions and construct the superstructure thoroughly, without superfluous generalizations.This means, there is a certain divergence between traditional techniques, related to scientific induction, and the mode of logical reasoning Bacon offers: for instance, syllogism contains a particle of subjectivity, as it is normally based upon propositions, hypotheses and the scientist’s own perception of the object: â€Å"In order to penetrate into the inner and further recesses of nature, it is necessary that both notions and axioms be derived from things by a more sure and guarded way, and that a method of intellectual operation be introduced altogether better and more certain† (Bacon, I, XVIII, at www.constitution. org, 2001). Due to the fact that the author speaks primarily about precise sciences, he implie s that science as organized area of knowledge cannot be based purely upon hypotheses or fantasy, but also upon facts and axioms. The main obstacle to the real discovery of nature is described by Bacon as four idols living in human mind. Idols are conceptualized as human impressions about the objects, – for instance, their visible characteristics like color or shape. The author contrasts idols to God’s intents concerning the creation of nature, i. e. these idols substantially distort or misrepresent the truth.There are four main types of these erroneous subjectivist convictions: Idols of the Tribe; Idols of the Cave; Idols of the Marketplace (Forum) and Idols of the Theatre. The Idols of the Tribe are in certain context socially approved convictions, as they all derive from the idea that human-being is a measure of the objects surrounding them, so that individuals tend to approach to nature from the position of their relation to certain objects or phenomena: for instanc e, ancient ‘scientists’ believed that celestial bodies existed in order to predict their fate, i. e.humankind used to have consumerist attitude towards their environment, which resulted in numerous hardships when it was the time to broaden or enrich the knowledge available. In addition, these beliefs are transmitted from generation to generation and learned during socialization – this is probably their most dangerous aspect. â€Å"The Idols of the Cave are the idols of the individual man. For everyone (beside the errors common to human nature in general) has a cave or den of his own, which refracts and discolors the light of nature†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Bacon, I, XLII, at www. constitution.org, 2001). This means, Idols of the Cave can be explained as the peculiarities of each person’s psychological world, which might decrease one’s ability to draw independent conclusions – human are often ‘addicted’ to persons they admire and therefore might view these persons’ beliefs as their own. The Idols of the Marketplace originate due to the use of common language and social relationships, yet â€Å"words plainly force and overrule the understanding, and throw all into confusion, and lead man away into numberless empty controversies†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Bacon, I, XLIII, at www.constitution. org, 2001), which means first of all that there is certain issues human being cannot verbalize or put into words. In addition, individuals tend to misuse and abuse language, for instance in demagogic or pseudoscientific discussions, which in reality have no visible objectives and goals. Finally, the Idols of the Theater settle down in human mind under the influence of philosophical dogmas or ‘universal truths’, often imposed by theatrical fables.For instance, in certain epoch, individuals used to say: â€Å"Love is stronger than death†, â€Å"Love is the highest feeling†, even through it is really hard to me asure the ‘height’ of love or imagine that it can really save individuals from inescapable death. These expressions were no more than metaphors, suggested by literature or certain philosophical movements. All these Idols contribute to the development of human subjectivity and inability to ignore unnecessary parts of their experiences when examining pure facts.In addition, explaining the cause of underdevelopment of scientific method, Bacon also takes macrosocial approach and identifies two main factors, which contributed to the weakness of contemporary science: firstly, a lot of vital information had been lost or had not been fixed on paper, so that contemporary science actually originated in Greco-Roman period; secondly, the development of natural science in general had been overlooked, in contrast to the progress of art and literature, due to the domination of religious institutions over education and scientific progress, which had implied strict censorship.In order t o liberate human mind from the aforementioned idol, it is necessary to develop a new method of establishing axioms: â€Å"In forming our axioms from induction, we must examine and try, whether the axiom we derive only be fitted and calculated for the particular instance from which it is deduced, or whether it be more extensive and general† (Bacon, I, CVI, at www. constitution. org, 2001). As one can understand, scientific reasoning should be based upon the basic research and supplementary study of the validity of previous one and the possibility of generalization.If generalization is possible, â€Å"we must observe, whether it confirm its own extent and generality, by giving surety as it were, in pointing out new particulars† (ibid). In order to facilitate the research, the scientist should first examine the cause of the phenomenon or its separate features (color or size), since the same characteristics not always point to the same cause and therefore do not infer the same nature of the object or phenomena. Bacon’s inductive technique includes three main components, or three different types of table: the table of presence, the table of absence and the table of degrees.The table of presence includes all cases in which the phenomenon, whose cause is sought, manifests itself: for example, heat appears when the object is under the sun. The table of absence comprises the cases in which the phenomenon does not manifest itself: for instance, although the moon spreads light, the heat does not appear in moonlight. Finally, the table of degrees provides concrete measurements of the phenomenon and includes its decreases and increases among different objects or materials: for instance, certain metals heat slower than liquids (e. g. water).The table of degrees is aimed at reflecting the extent of the phenomenon in each object researched. In case the amount of research material is limited, Bacon offers different strategies of induction: â€Å"I propose to treat, then, in the first place, of Prerogative Instances, secondly, of the Supports of induction, thirdly, of the Rectification of Induction; fourthly, of Varying the Investigation according to the nature of the Subject; fifthly, of Prerogative Natures with respect to Investigation; [†¦]; sixthly, of the Limits of Investigation, or a synopsis of all natures in the universe..† (Bacon, II, XXI, at www. constitution. org, 2001). In addition, he recommends that each scientist included suggestions for practical use and the gradation of axioms. Prerogative Instances, or objective facts and their independent interpretations are therefore regarded as the most important aspect of induction, as the basic Prerogative Instances are in fact to demonstrate the extent of the phenomenon in each particular case, the interrelation among the phenomena in different objects and situations and the possible exclusions or exceptions.To sum up, both extended and limited investigations should be based primarily upon facts and their classification, rather than upon hypothetical reasoning and classic induction whose main constituent is syllogism, or logical propositions, not always confirmed by facts. Reference list Bacon, Francis. Novum Organum (The New Organon). Available online at: http://www. constitution. org/bacon/nov_org. htm, 2001

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Background Paper Stress Disorders And Mental Illness

Background Paper: Stress Disorders and Mental Illness Stress disorders are a form of mental illness. Understanding the history of mental disorders and their treatment is important for researching new ways to treat these disorders and potentially prevent some of the disorders from developing. Over the years mental illnesses have been perceived and treated in many ways. Some of the earlier treatments include extensive bloodletting, dosing with chemicals, and physically shocking the patient (Dain, 359). Throughout this paper we will look at the historical background of mental disorders, current information about them such as treatments, and how researching mental disorders affects future treatments of mental disorders. Mental disorders†¦show more content†¦Eventually hospitals and other facilities were set up for the treatment of mental disorders in which humane care and occupational therapy were used for treatment. By 1829 the â€Å"moral-treatment hospitals† seemed to justify therapeutic claims of treating patients. Throughout history those susceptible to mental disorders have changed going from upper classes most likely to develop mental disorders to lower classes being most likely to develop the disorders (Dain, 359). We have discussed the historical background of mental illnesses. Next we will look at current treatments and diagnoses of mental illness in more specific areas such as stress disorders. Compared to the 1850s, the research today has expanded a great deal to diagnose and treat stress disorders. One common stress disorder is social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety refers to extreme anxiety in social situations that creates â€Å"emotional discomfort, fear, apprehension or worry† (Perez, 1386). After the social events the person engages in analyzing their social interactions that is known as PEP which maintains the anxiety though repetition and processing negative interactions. One of the most common treatments for social anxie ty disorder is CBT or cognitive-behavioral therapy. This therapy uses models for specific disorders to treat the disorder. For example the anxiety symptoms related to social anxiety are created by underlying

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

The Cold War between 1947 and 1991 - 880 Words

During the Cold War 1947-1991, over the course of forty four years was a political and military tension between the two powers of the Communist bloc (Eastern bloc) and the Capitalist bloc (Western bloc). The Eastern bloc dominated by the Soviet Union along with the Warsaw pact and states aligned with the Soviet union refers to the to the former communist state of Central and Eastern Europe. The Western bloc was dominated by the USA with NATO along with its allies and refers to countries allied with the United States and NATO against the Soviet union and its allies. The potential dangers of superpower conflict in the nuclear age were demonstrated by the Cuban Missile Crisis that developed in 1962. That was the first time during the cold war the USA and the Soviet Union faced each other in direct conflict. This essay will focus on the factors that lead to the high political tension between the two superpowers and how this conflict had almost brought the USA and USSR into a ground war and worst of all into a nuclear war. The origins of this conflict lays behind many events that happened in Cuba since 1959 when the Cuban Revolution occurred. That meant the spread of communism in South America and the US understood that the U.S.S.R will be supporting the revolution in Cuba and they will take advantage of the situation to expand their sphere of influence. Since the end of Spanish rule, Cuba have been under US influence. Its proximity to the USA was the ideal target for USShow MoreRelatedThe Foundation Of The U.s. National Security Policy1077 Words   |  5 PagesAct. 1947, signed by U.S. President Ronald Reagan after the World War II, encouraging a restructure of the military through the National Security Act of 1947. 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